IRON WALL CLOCK WITH AUTOMATON Ca. 1590

Irons wall clocks

M&R133a

IRON WALL CLOCK WITH AUTOMATON
Circa 1590
Germany

Movement
This iron wall clock with automaton has a 12-hour, weight-driven two-train iron movement and going and striking trains, constructed between vertical bars. The going train has verge escapement and a balance wheel. The striking train, regulated by a countwheel, indicates the hours on a bell. The automaton is activated by the striking train, opening his mouth regularly.

Dial
The polychrome iron dial has two chapter rings, the top one with Roman hour (I-XII), Arabic hour (13-24), and half-hour divisions. The lower quarter-hour chapter ring has Roman quarter-hour divisions. The centre is embellished by a painted scroll motif. The pierced front fret incorporates a head, which yawns when the clock is striking. In the corners are painted scroll motifs. The time is indicated by two shaped iron hands, the smaller one for the quarters.

Case
The polychrome case has two painted doors to the sides, giving access to the movement. It is surmounted by three pierced frets behind which the bell is situated. The frets depict two parrot heads.